Omysha in a facility in the background between the individual treatment steps.
bye. After the death of the elephant bull Umesh, another elephant at Zurich Zoo fell ill with the herpes virus and is in critical condition. Eight-year-old female elephant Omysha is currently being treated. She is the sister of the late Umesh.
In the elephant cow, the “elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus” that is typical for elephants has multiplied in the body and triggered the disease “EEHV haemorrhagic disease”. The zoo immediately started treatment with antiviral drugs and blood plasma transfusions from other elephants. The transfusions can transfer antibodies from another elephant and help the sick animal fight off the virus.
The virus typical of elephants is probably latent in all elephants. You are a carrier of the virus, but it is inconspicuous and not acutely dangerous. However, if the virus breaks out and multiplies in the body, it can trigger a disease that often leads to death, especially in young animals. It is common in zoos as well as in nature.
More elephants affected
In addition to Omysha, other elephants at Zurich Zoo are currently showing an increased number of viruses in their bodies. The virus is active in their bodies, but has not yet exceeded a defined threshold. That is why the zoo has not yet started any therapy for these animals. Such periods of increased viral load occur again and again and can lead to the elephant being able to produce antibodies. Zurich Zoo closely monitors all of its elephants and can therefore start therapy immediately if necessary.
Two-year-old bull elephant Umesh dies
On June 29, Zurich Zoo said the two-year-old bull elephant Umesh had died the night before. This despite an intensive treatment lasting several days. He died of the herpes virus typical of elephants.
However, after starting therapy with antiviral drugs, Umesh’s blood counts showed no improvement and continued to deteriorate. Eventually he developed the first symptoms and died suddenly that same evening, despite the ongoing treatment.
The zoo staff left Umesh with his family for a few more hours. The two sisters, Omysha (8) and Chandra (20), and their mother Indi (36) were able to say goodbye.
Now Umesh is being examined by the pathologists at the animal hospital. This investigation can help to better understand the Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus in the future and to further optimize the treatment methods. For example, research is currently being carried out with the aim of developing a vaccination against EEHV. This could protect young elephants from the virus in the future.